Ennejma Ezzahra

Ennejma Ezzahra, or Baron d’Erlanger’s home, is one of the most beautiful residences of modern day Tunisia. Built between 1912 and 1922, the house was entirely designed by the contractor himself, using the modest assistance of an architect to start the project.
The residence overlooks the bay of Tunis. It is established on a steep slope on the promontory that is Cap Carthage. In order to achieve this work, Baron d’Erlanger brought the best craftsmen from Tunisia and all the way from Morocco and Egypt, especially for woodwork, painted wood, marble and stucco (Naqch Hadida). Electricity and plumbing were done by French and Italian technicians.
With its great finesse, the architectural and decorative structure matches the Islamic style, more precisely the Moorish one. The various geometrical shapes in the false ceiling and the moucharaby, as well as the beauty of the gardens and the terraces can only remind the visitors of the majestic palaces of Andalusia.
First listed historical monument since Tunisia’s Independence, the palace of Ennejma Ezzahra is currently the Arab and Mediterranean Music Center. It hosts every year the International Festival of Spiritual Music, some Mediterranean music shows, as well as a few conferences. Visiting this marvelous monument is highly recommended to whoever visits the northern suburbs of Tunis.